Following Digital Traces: A Study of an Online Swedish Literary Community

Abstract

The aim of this article is to, through an explorative approach, investigate how computer-assisted methods can be applied and used to examine and analyse a Swedish online publication venue for writing and reading poetry, Poeter.se. By using methods inspired and influenced by distant reading and the ongoing methodological discussions found within the field of digital humanities we argue that computer-assisted modes of reading are suitable when dealing with a vast digital material published online. We also identify a need of discussing the touching points in empirical material where a combination between data-driven quantitative methods and more interpretative hermeneutical modes of reading can be fruitful.